Every day, millions of Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain. So it’s easy to see why there’s so much information out there about this common issue.
However, not all readily available information is correct. Certain myths about chronic pain can be harmful to your health.
These myths can result in:
- Unnecessary expenditures
- Ineffective treatments
- Improving the situation
If you are just beginning to identify and treat your chronic pain, be wary of these myths, which can have long-term consequences without a real or viable solution.
Chronic Pain Is a Normal Comorbidity of AgingÂ
As we age, we can expect a few aches and pains. But chronic pain is an entirely different issue that’s outside of the body’s normal wear and tear.
If you experience pinpointed pain on a daily basis, this is not a result of aging and is a separate issue that must be addressed.
Chronic pain should never be considered unavoidable. You should treat it as a medical condition.
Working through the discomfort can make you feel better.Â
One of the most dangerous myths is that sufferers will feel better if they “work through the pain” by exercising or continuing with daily and potentially strenuous activities.
However, depending on the source of your pain, the “no pain, no gain” mantra may not only be ineffective, but may also cause more damage over time.
Simple movements will be difficult during a flare-up of chronic pain, and the strain caused by certain motions may be excruciating.
Chronic Pain Can Be Managed by Bed RestÂ
In contrast, avoiding activity and sticking to adequate bed rest is not a cure-all for chronic pain.
According to research, remaining stationary can:
- Make the pain worse by causing painful joints to seize.
- Depending on your sleeping position, apply pressure to specific areas of your body
- Worsen spinal conditions
Pain relievers are the most effective way to treat chronic pain quickly.Â
Prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers may provide some temporary relief, but they are not a long-term solution.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of pain relievers for chronic pain diminishes over time, necessitating ever-increasing doses and, in many cases, leading to pain pill addiction.
Surgery is the most effective way to alleviate chronic pain.Â
A surgical procedure may address the underlying cause of your chronic pain problem. It should not, however, be your first option.
Surgical treatments are costly, require weeks of recovery time, and can even result in additional problems or increased pain, depending on the success of the operation.
There are no options for chronic pain treatment other than pain pills, surgery, or coping.Â
This is by far the most dangerous myth because there ARE other, more effective options for managing chronic pain! To begin, make an appointment with a physician who specializes in interventional pain management.
Second, before deciding on a one-size-fits-all solution, exhaust all of your options. Interventional pain management, with a focus on your specific case of chronic pain, is an effective and targeted way to address your chronic pain comprehensively.
